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Britain

Britain
The latest breaking news and stories on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe which includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the world’s sixth largest economy. Also covering the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU) post Brexit, as well as with China, plus commentary and updates on the UK’s economy, politics, society and social issues.
Capital
London
Head of State
King Charles III
King Charles III
Head of Government
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Visitors at last year’s edition of Art Basel Hong Kong. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong to sign landmark Art Basel collaboration deal

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law underscores importance of the arts during times of complex geopolitics.

Ukraine war

Ukraine and US conclude talks as Zelensky urges sanctions pressure on Russia

Donald Trump

Trump shares Saturday Night Live UK video to troll Starmer

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong arts hub strengthens global links with 12 new partnerships

West Kowloon Cultural District Authority signs MOUs with 12 international institutions from Australia, the UK, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.

The MOUs from the last summit brought masterpieces from institutions such as the Palace of Versailles in France to Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang
India

Why India faces dilemma over Iran war while seeking ‘diplomatic flexibility’

India has to carefully navigate the fallout from the war, given its huge stakes in the Middle East, analysts say.

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US, Israel war on Iran

What the 4,000km Diego Garcia missile launch reveals about Iran’s intentions

By targeting the UK-US base, Tehran displays a ‘show of force’ and sends a ‘strategic messaging’ to Washington and Israel, experts say.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s power plants in Hormuz ultimatum

The US president demands Tehran reopen the shipping lane within 48 hours, making the deadline a ‘ticking time bomb’ for markets.

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Israeli security forces and rescuers work at the site struck by an Iranian missile in Arad, southern Israel, on Sunday. Photo: AP
History

Truth battle: did UK king’s long march to Hastings in 1066 really happen?

The account of the legendary mission, taught in classrooms and museums, rests on what a historian now says is a misinterpretation of records.

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran fires missiles at UK-US base in Indian Ocean, 4,000km away

The attack on the Diego Garcia facility is the first time in the war that Tehran has been reported to have used weapons with such a range.

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Diplomacy

Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed

Readers discuss Beijing’s diplomatic messaging at the ‘two sessions’ meetings, and the spirit of Eid ul-Fitr.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a press conference on foreign policy and external relations during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing, China, on March 8. Photo: EPA
IPO

Should the Hong Kong stock exchange make all IPO applications confidential?

Proposed rule change aims to encourage more applications, but what about transparency and document quality concerns?

Representatives of four companies bang gongs at the Hong Kong stock exchange to celebrate their share debuts on November 6, 2025. Photo: Nora Tam
US, Israel war on Iran

UK allows US to use its bases to strike Iran missile sites targeting Hormuz

Trump has repeatedly attacked British PM Starmer since the conflict started, complaining ⁠he was not doing enough to help.

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Crime

IRA bomb victims drop civil court claim against Gerry Adams

The case was discontinued on the last day of a two-week trial, after what the claimants’ lawyers called an ‘extraordinary series of events’.

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

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US President Donald Trump complained Nato countries did not ‌want to join the fight against Iran, yet still complain about high oil prices. Photo: AFP
Made in China 2025

Global drug giants double down on China amid push for self-reliant supply chains

Multinationals are building self-reliant supply chains in China to insulate local markets from potential trade disruptions, say analysts.

AstraZeneca’s booth at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, July 17, 2025. Photo: EPA
Malaysia

Some tourists in Malaysia make most of ‘extended’ holiday amid flight mess

Stranded European visitors in Malaysia navigate visa extensions and rebooking woes as the conflict shows no sign of easing.

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China jobs

Survey shows China’s professionals have high expectations – for low pay

As some Chinese workers switch jobs to boost salaries, many remain pessimistic about pay increases amid economic uncertainty.

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Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison vows to pursue ‘all legal remedies’ over seized Panama ports

Group says diversified network could benefit from higher storage revenue as inventory demand rises amid Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Cristobal port was seized by Panamanian authorities in February. Photo: AFP
Iran

2 men charged with spying for Iran on UK Jewish targets

The men are accused of spying on targets given to them by Iran, including the Israeli embassy and Britain’s oldest synagogue.

Shanghai

Shanghai certifies 30 overseas offices amid China’s investment sales pitch

The city welcomed a batch of new regional headquarters and R&D centres this week, as China continues its campaign to win back overseas capital.

Hong Kong property

Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison reports 7% gain in underlying profit

Diversified business mitigates impact of adverse developments including ‘legal conflict’ over Panama ports, chairman says.

Flags fly outside Cheung Kong Center in Central on February 4, 2026. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong society

Hongkongers on BN(O) pathway won’t face tougher English test, UK confirms

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp says current B1 English language requirement for settlement under BN(O) route will remain unchanged.

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Statistics show about 46,900 Hongkongers arrived in the UK under the BN(O) scheme in its first year and will soon be able to apply for permanent settlement. Photo: EPA-EFE
European Union

Hundreds die crossing Mediterranean as 2026 already smashes records

At least 655 migrants died or went missing in January and February taking one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.

Disease

‘Unprecedented in spread’: UK races to contain deadly meningitis outbreak

Health officials target 5,000 students at the University of Kent after two deaths and a spike in MenB cases linked to a nightclub.

Wellness

World’s ‘happiest’ places revealed as social media weighs on us

Heavy social media use is undermining youth well-being in many countries, according to a UN-sponsored report.

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A girl in Sydney uses her phone. Australia restricted young people’s access to social media services late last year. Photo: AP
US, Israel war on Iran

Europe says no to Trump’s Iran demands: ‘not our war’

Some of the closest US allies say they don’t want to enter a conflict on which they were given no say ⁠and where they cannot see the endgame.

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People hold a banner with an image of US President Donald Trump during an anti-war protest in Malaga, Spain, on March 7. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Zelensky urges EU to bypass Hungarian veto on vital US$103 billion loan

Putin ally Viktor Orban has been blocking the loan, in part because of a closed pipeline supplying his country with Russian oil in Ukraine.

China manufacturing

Global EV uptake expected to accelerate as Iran war causes petrol price hikes

With more than half of Chinese new car sales being electric in 2025, the nation could save US$28 billion a year in avoided oil import costs.

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